Why Goodluck Jonathan Believes Judicial Independence Is Key to Attracting Investment

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned that no investor would commit resources to an economy where the judiciary lacks independence and is subject to political interference.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Democracy Dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, the former Nigerian leader emphasized the critical role of judicial integrity in fostering a stable and investor-friendly business climate.

“It affects everybody. For example, no businessman can bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised — where a government functionary can dictate to judges what judgment they will give. No man brings his money to invest in that economy because they are taking a big risk,” Jonathan said.

He further urged Nigerian leaders to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, warning that the country’s future depends on the integrity of its institutions.

“If we must build a nation for our children and grandchildren, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto hailed Jonathan’s concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

However, Kukah advised the former president to remain cautious of political actors who may attempt to exploit his legacy for personal gain ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Quoting General Theophilus Danjuma, Kukah said: “The voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God. Listen carefully to those who want to use you as an instrument for the elongation of their interests, and not your interests or the interests of Nigeria.”